National Oatmeal Month Thursday Jan. 13, 9 a.m. In January of each year, after the holiday season has passed, and as low temperatures set in across the country our country recognizes oatmeal for its nutritional value in what is known as National Oatmeal Month. Join the Bedford Council on Aging to enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with all your favorite toppings. Improve dietary health through the consumption of oatmeal and see what other healthy benefits oatmeal can contribute in your life. Call 781-275-6825 to sign up as space is limited.

Relating Happily to the Animals in Your Life Friday Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m. Animals, whether pets or wildlife who move onto your property, are a part of all of our lives, and learning to communicate and live happily and safely with them is essential. Come to a very special program at the Bedford Council on Aging given by dog trainer Kathy Fardy and Bedford Police Officer Kristen Dineen. Among the topics they will discuss is where your pet can go should you need to go to a hospital or nursing home, pet therapy, communicating with animals, and keeping your trash, garden, and backyard safe from dangerous wildlife. All are welcome. Consider bringing donations of pet food for the local animal shelter.

Free Hearing Screening Thursday Jan. 20,10 a.m. Joe Sarofeen from Apex Hearing will be at the Bedford Council on Aging from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for screenings, hearing aid checks, and minor repairs. Please call the Council on Aging at 781-275-6825 to make your appointment.

Library Book Discussion: “A Painted House” Tuesday Jan. 25, 1 p.m.Join Jen Dalrymple at the Bedford Council on Aging for a discussion of the book “The Painted House” by John Grisham. Lucas Chandler is a seven-year-old boy who lives in an unpainted house on an Arkansas farm with his parents and grandparents in the early 1950s. He loves Coca-Cola, baseball, and the St. Louis Cardinals, and he plans on using the money he earns picking cotton to buy a shiny baseball jacket from the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Soon after the hired crews of Mexicans and “hill people” arrive to help pick the Chandler family’s 80 acres of cotton, Lucas sees things that cause him to lose his innocence much earlier than he should and long for the days when he did not have to keep secrets or worry about his and his family’s safety. Legal thriller master Grisham changes direction with this lawyer-free coming-of-age novel, and the results are stunning. Featuring vivid descriptions, bits of humor, and a thrilling pace, this is a suspenseful and satisfying read. Copies of this book are available at the library.

Files, Folders, and Drives…Oh My Wednesday Jan. 26, 10:15 a.m.Learn how information is stored in your computer so that you can organize (and find.) your data, such as photographs and personal documents. Come to the COA Computer Club presentation at the Bedford Council on Aging to hear Leo Cierpial explain the terminology and the workings of files, folders, and storage devices in your PC. All are welcome to attend.

An Afternoon of Music Thursday Jan. 27 1:30 p.m.Join us at the Bedford Council on Aging as we welcome Bedford’s Ken Pruyn back to the stage. Ken will perform a variety of music from the 50’s and 60’s for your entertainment. He loves an enthusiastic audience.